2 Samuel 7:22-29
22 For this reason You are great, Lord God; for there is no one like You, and there is no God except You, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
23 And what one nation on the earth is like Your people Israel, whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people, and to make a name for Himself, and to do a great thing for You and awesome things for Your land, because of Your people whom You have redeemed for Yourself from Egypt, from other nations and their gods?
24 For You have established for Yourself Your people Israel as Your own people forever, and You, Lord, have become their God.
25 Now then, Lord God, the word that You have spoken about Your servant and his house, confirm it forever, and do just as You have spoken,
26 so that Your name may be great forever, by saying, ‘The Lord of armies is God over Israel’; and may the house of Your servant David be established before You.
27 For You, Lord of armies, God of Israel, have given a revelation to Your servant, saying, ‘I will build you a house’; therefore Your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to You.
28 Now then, Lord God, You are God, and Your words are truth; and You have promised this good thing to Your servant.
29 And now, may it please You to bless the house of Your servant, so that it may continue forever before You. For You, Lord God, have spoken; and with Your blessing may the house of Your servant be blessed forever.”
Praise to the Lord
David’s praise
David’s prayer eventually turns into praise. This praise comes to us with overwhelming power. (1) Here, David recalls what the Lord has done for the people of Israel up to this point, confesses that the God of Israel is unparalleled, and praises that God. “For there is no one like You, and there is no God except You.” Is this your confession as well? (2) Next, David remembers how God specifically chose Israel from among the nations of the earth, rescued them from Egypt, and placed His name upon them, and he praises that God. We too have been chosen from among the nations of the earth and, by believing in Christ, have been made recipients of eternal life. Do you have a song of praise to God in your heart, like David did? (3) God chose Israel in order to establish them forever and to be their God. We too, through Jesus Christ, have come to call the God of Israel “our Heavenly Father.” He is our God forever.
David’s desire
Next, David speaks of his desire for the fulfillment of the Lord’s promise. (1) David recalls that the God of Israel, the Lord of armies, promised, “I will build a house for you,” and he gains courage to pray before the Lord. Our prayers, too, must be based on the word and promises of the Lord. The Lord is waiting for us to desire great things in accordance with His will. Is your prayer a bold one? (2) David believes that the word of the Lord is true and will certainly be fulfilled. A prayer offered in faith will be heard. (3) Based on that faith, David prays that his house (his family and descendants) will be blessed forever. This is also our desire. Let us believe in God’s love and grace and pray that His blessing will be poured out upon our family and descendants.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, Your promises never change. Please bless my household. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.